Patents by Inventor Benjamin Sheldon

Benjamin Sheldon has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5884563
    Abstract: A ride attraction includes a vehicle having a seat mover for use by physically disabled passengers. A swing arm is pivotally attached to a jack post in the boat, with an extension arm attached to the swing arm. The physically disabled passenger is moved to a loading position on a seat supported by a dolly. The extension arm of the seat mover engages the seat. The seat is locked onto the extension arm and unlocked from the dolly. The jack post lifts the seat high enough to clear the side of the vehicle. The seat is swung into position in the vehicle and lowered on the jack post, and then locked into position in the vehicle. Accordingly, the physically disabled are provided access to theme park ride attractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Universal City Studios, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Sheldon, Leo Kohler, Rene Ploum, David Danon, Neil Engel, Gene Leasure, Tim Sepielli, Michael Taylor, William Whitcomb, Chris Peters, Ben Van Elk, John Leisner
  • Patent number: 5704294
    Abstract: A theme park ride attraction includes a flume path having rafts floating on flowing water. The rafts are elevated and enter into a pipe. First and second pivoting ramps are attached to the pipe and supported by an actuator. As the rafts enter onto the first pivoting ramp, the actuator quickly drops the first ramp down, simulating a waterfall event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Universal Studios, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted W. Van Winkle, Benjamin Sheldon, Nicholas H. Drobnis, Barry Upson
  • Patent number: 5685778
    Abstract: A ride attraction has vehicles on a vehicle path. An animated figure over or on one side of the vehicle path is concealed from the path, and passengers in the vehicles on the path, by a waterfall. As the vehicles approach the waterfall, a diverter closes off the waterfall or diverts the waterfall into sidewalls creating an opening and exposing the animated figure. Simultaneously, the animated figure moves forward through the waterfall, or the plane of the waterfall, and approaches the oncoming vehicle. The sudden emergence and movement of the animated figure from a concealed position behind the waterfall adds to the excitement of the ride attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Universal Studios, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Sheldon, Jay Stein, Gary Goddard, Adam Bezark, Gene Leasure, Jane Jackson